The Stone of Destiny will not be returned to Scone Palace by Scotland's new government.

The SNP has ruled out the move in an answer to a parliamentary question from deputy Tory leader Murdo Fraser.

The Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP has been campaigning for the historic artefact to be restored to its original home in Perthshire.

It has been kept at Edinburgh Castle since 1996, when it was returned to Scotland after centuries in London.

Previous attempts to move the stone out of the Scottish capital have been rejected by the authorities.

Mr Fraser had hoped the policy would be changed by the SNP following after their victory in the Holyrood election.

'Rightful home'

However, he was told by Europe and Culture Minister Linda Fabiani that would not be the case.

She said: "The location of the Stone of Destiny is a matter solely for Her Majesty The Queen, as advised by the Commissioners for the Safekeeping of the Regalia."

Mr Fraser expressed his disappointment at the decision but promised to continue his campaign.

He said: "As Alex Salmond is now first minister, he is one of the Stone of Destiny's commissioners and has the opportunity to put forward the case that the stone should be returned to its rightful home in Perthshire.

"It is a fundamental piece of Scotland's history and I believe that it should be returned."